6 Tips That Will Make Your Interviews Easier

Knowing you’re probably up against several other qualified candidates can be quite nerve wracking going into a job interview.

Keeping a few simple things in mind can go a long way to making your interview much easier.

Listen more than you talk

From the beginning, your interviewer is supplying you with information, either directly or subtly. If you are not picking up on it, you are missing out on a big opportunity. Great communication skills include paying attention and letting the other person understand what they are saying. Pay attention to the style and pace with which your interviewer speaks and try to match them.

Also, telling the interviewer more than she has to know might be a big mistake. If you have not prepared sufficiently, you may go off on ill-advised tangents when responding to interview questions, running the risk of talking yourself right out of the job. In addition to making sure you don’t talk too much, prepare for the interview by researching the job qualifications, as well as the company website and social media profiles.

Connect with your interviewer

After introductions have been made, try to find common ground with your interviewer(s) to help kick off your conversation on a positive.

A degree hanging on the office wall, award on a bookshelf or T-shirt from a community event are all great ice breakers you could use to connect to the person across the table from you. If you don’t see anything conversation worthy, ask if they are from the area. The answer can usually spark up some chit-chat and possibly lead to a more personal connection.

Be organized

To make the best initial impression, everything required should be perfectly organized and readily reachable. You should be capable of quickly taking out your resume, references, a pen and paper. The less you must dig through your things, the better.

Dress professionally and confidently

Unless you are applying for a blue-collar manual labor job, it’s a good idea to show up to any job interview in a suit that is clean and pressed. This gives the impression you are professional, detail-oriented and organized.

You should also wear clothes that make you feel confident. If you don’t have a suit that makes you feel self-assured, it might be time to get one.

Put away your electronic device

You might think there’s no harm in pulling out your phone or tablet while you wait in the reception area; however, the fact is tapping away on a device make you looks distant and distracted. Instead, put the device away, be in the moment and pay attention to your surroundings.

Be proactive in your interactions

Being a guest, you might feel you should defer to others in your introductions and other actions. However, it makes a better impression if you assert yourself and project confidence.

Are you looking for a new job in IT?

At Software Management Consultants, we work with professionals to help them with every part of a job search, from writing resumes to interview prep. If you are currently looking for job-seeking advice, please contact our team today.